Dishwasher soap for use with septic tank?

**profnot** · 06-04-2009, 06:57 PM

Hi, All

I've never lived in a place with a septic tank until now.

I know dishwasher detergent uses bleach.
Very not OK with septic tanks.

Any recommendations for dishwasher soap without bleach?

Can I use Simple Green?

Are there other brands for this situation?

I know dishwasher soap must be Low Suds or the seal will be compromised and water will get all over the floor. (Found this out the hard way. Oooops.)

TIA!!!

**madhen** · 06-04-2009, 09:47 PM

I use plain old Cascade and have been for years now, with no problems with my septic tank. Gaiam puts out a d/w detergent that is specifically septic tank safe, if you don't want to take the gamble.

**fixer** · 06-04-2009, 10:11 PM

We use a store brand powder, similar to Cascade, and have not had a problem. I have always believed problems with a septic system comes more from installation and design than from what you put in it.

**freebs** · 06-04-2009, 10:38 PM

Before companies started really paying attention to septic tanks there were dangers to using certain things. Bleach is not a problem in moderation. Before it used to be laundry soap that was a problem but now that they are phosporus free that is no longer an issue. White toilet paper is certainly better than colored paper due to it being harder to break down. Do not spend money on those expensive septic tank treatments, go to the baking isle and get a packet of yeast. Just flush yeast down your toilet 1 time per month. Now if you have just moved in and dont know alot about it i would pour 1 pound of yeast in it. Now of course this wont work forever they do eventually need to be pumped out. It is recommended every 5 years depending on tank size tho. I moved into a home that i didnt know anything about the septic system and flushed a whole pound of yeast and had no troubles for 5 years. Also have it pumped before you start having complications will save you tons of money!(This is the kind of info i keep in my head as my dad is a plumber and installed and pumped septic tanks for a living....lol)

**Bellaboo** · 06-04-2009, 11:29 PM

We have always used Cascade and the generic Cascade without any issues. I don't think I've ever paid attention to dishwasher soap that was made specifically for septic tanks. I didn't even know there was such a thing. For now I'm sticking with the Cascade it does the best job as far as cleaning.

**Shelli_wnj** · 06-05-2009, 11:42 AM

Same here. I use the generic cascade liquid. I have been in my home for 4 years and haven't had any problems. We also used reg laundry detergent until I started making my own. But we did use bleach in the whites until about a year ago. I didn't know it was bad for the system.

**frugalfranny** · 06-07-2009, 02:17 AM

When I was on a septic system I didn't do that much different......used regular DW detergent, laundry soap and bleach too. Did use white TP but not the stuff (?Scotts) specifically for septic systems.

I had more trouble with TREE ROOTS than anything.....hope you don't have any arbovitae close to where the tank is.......

On the sewer now..........septic was cheaper......even with the pumping!!!

**Shelli_wnj** · 06-09-2009, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

On the sewer now..........septic was cheaper......even with the pumping!!!

I BET!!!

**cheles2kids** · 06-10-2009, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by freebs

Do not spend money on those expensive septic tank treatments, go to the baking isle and get a packet of yeast. Just flush yeast down your toilet 1 time per month.

Thanks for sharing this tip with us. I would never have thought about using just plain 'ole baking yeast, but it makes sense that it would work the same way.

My only concern would be the temperature. I know when baking with yeast that if the water is too cool or too hot then the yeast won't activate like it should.
What are your thoughts on this??